Vancouver 2010 Maelle Ricker Talks About Gold

Yesterday Maëlle Ricker won Canada’s second gold medal of the Vancouver 2010 Games and just like with Alexandre Bilodeau, a press conference is being held in her honour.

Update: Not only has Maëlle brought home the second gold medal on Canadian soil, she’s also our first Canadian woman to do so, and first female snowboarder to have that honour as well.

“There was a lot of support, I felt the Canadian crowd and the friends and family in the crowd,” said Maëlle to open the conference.

A host from Cool FM asks if she has any lucky charms. Maëlle replies, “I have a lucky loonie. There’s one at the start of the boarder cross [route] and there’s one in my pocket.”

She was asked in French what the first thing was that went through her mind when she won the gold. Replying in French she said that she was just so proud to be Canadian and the first thing she did was to try and find her mom in the stands. She also says in French that she could feel the pride and admiration of Canadians throughout her run.

CBC asks if she’s had more sponsorship opportunities in reference to her being on Blenz Coffee cups.

John Biehler just got up and asked her how she feels about being in Vancouver right now and especially going into the hospitality houses (she was at Irish House last night). She said it’s just an amazing feeling and there’s so much going on in Vancouver it’s overwhelming.

“I’m just living in the moment right now,” she adds after another question. “I haven’t thought too far ahead,” she just wants to keep racing.

“You had to move like a cat out there,” she noted in reference to the course conditions. “As the day went on the snow definitely softened up and became slick. The course was enjoyable in the finals.”

As Bilodeau remarked as well, Ricker credits the Own the Podium program with a lot of support throughout her training and for all Canadian athletes. She also says it’s amazing to not only see her own family but the Canadian family “in red and white” all around.

Another question from the audience asks what she’ll do now to enjoy the rest of Vancouver 2010. “I’m going to watch my roommate Sarah Conrad,” as well as other athletes in downhill, speedskating and curling.

She credits her big brother for teaching her how to snowboard and she can’t believe she gets to snowboard for a living. She is positively glowing. “Growing up I looked up to Olympians,” she says with regards to being a role model. She still can’t believe she’s up in those ranks now. Ever-humble, just like a true Canadian Olympian. I’m thinking she fits in quite well. “Je suis sur la lune.”

Maëlle will receive her gold medal at the ceremony tonight but just mentioned she’ll be hanging out at the Canada Pavilion on Georgia before then.

Update February 19, 2010 Maëlle will be signing autographs this Sunday, February 21st, at the Canada Post on Georgia Street from 2:00pm until about 3:00pm.
Update February 20, 2010 Maëlle will have a public appearance today at 3:00pm over at the Bell Ice Cube.